Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
Bhopal, Nov 21 (IANS) In his first public event since resigning as Vice President of India in July 2025 due to health concerns, Jagdeep Dhankhar attended a book launch event in Bhopal on Thursday, and displayed his characteristic wit and humor amid a warm gathering of RSS affiliates.
The 74-year-old leader, who stepped down on July 21 citing medical advice after a cardiac event earlier in the year, unveiled “Hum Aur Ye Vishwa” (We and This World), written by senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) functionary and Saha Sarkaryavah Dr Manmohan Vaidya.
A large crowd of RSS ideologues, intellectuals and BJP-RSS supporters turned out for the event held at the sprawling Kushabhau Thackeray Convention Centre, marking Dhankhar’s return to public life after months of silence following his sudden exit from the constitutional post.
Dhankhar, known for his eloquent and often animated oratory, praised the book as a profound exploration of India’s civilizational worldview and its contemporary global relevance.
Emphasizing the need for narrative-building rooted in an indigenous perspective, he said, “Dr. Vaidya’s work beautifully expresses India’s timeless message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam in today’s context.”
In a light-hearted moment that lightened the mood, Dhankhar spoke on the challenges of “narrative” – a term often used in political discourse to control public perception.
“There’s a big problem with the narration,” he quipped, prompting laughter and applause from the audience.
Regaining composure with a smile, he immediately said, “Main apni misal nahin de raha (I am not giving my own example),” eliciting an even heartier laugh and cementing his self-deprecating style that had endeared him during his presidency of the Rajya Sabha.
The comment was seen by attendees as a subtle hint of the intense “narrative war” he waged as Vice President, often clashing with opposition members over parliamentary disruptions.
Vaidya thanked Dhankhar for his presence and called it “inspirational for the workers”.
Despite health setbacks, including hospitalization earlier this year, Dhankhar looked energetic and interacted warmly with organizers.
His resignation – the third mid-term vice presidential exit in India’s history – had sparked speculation beyond official health reasons, but Thursday’s appearance signaled a spectacular re-entry into ideological circles close to his heart.
The book explores India’s cultural ethos versus Western paradigms in keeping with the ongoing debate on decolonization.
–IANS
sktr/and